Abstract
Objective: To expose the difficulties related to communication faced by the elderly in the SUS. Bibliographic review: Brazil is facing the same fate as developed countries, i.e., it is increasing life expectancy, causing population aging, so public health must adapt to this new reality. Some authors report that the elderly overestimate the care in Primary Health Care (PHC), which makes them dependent on the system. In addition, other studies point out that it is necessary to analyze the elderly patient in a systemic way, since, many times, the companion may omit information, if the patient is being abused and/or is dependent. Final considerations: Given these motivations, a socio-educational work with professionals and the population is necessary in order to demonstrate how to observe body language, as well as to expose the options for improving the integral care of the elderly patient, thus improving the physician-patient relationship.